Antimony Extraction from Galena Concentrates

Abstract

The extraction of antimony and arsenic from galena concentrates by leaching with strongly alkaline sodium sulphide solution are investigated. The effects of leaching parameters including sodium sulphide and sodium hydroxide concentrations in the leaching solution, pulp density, reaction time and temperature on the extraction of antimony and arsenic are studied. It is indicated that high antimony extraction rates approaching 90–100% were obtained. However, arsenic extraction remained low at all experimental conditions considered, ranging between 2.5 and 4%, demonstrating that under these conditions, only certain arsenic-containing minerals are dissolved. The process presented is appropriate for antimony extraction with significant benefits associated with an increased value of galena concentrate and its own market value.

Keywords

• antimony
• Sb
• arsenic
• As
• extraction
• galena